Start the New Year off amongst the redwoods with us on a six-mile hike through pristine forest and along Slate Creek. This moderate hike begins at the Portola Redwoods Visitor Center. Please bring appropriate hiking footwear, an extra layer of clothing (in case of rain or heavy fog), water, lunch, and snacks. Event is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Posts Tagged: First Day Hikes
Castle Rock Guided First Day Hike
Come sta
The hike is at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, and begins at the Saratoga Gap Parking Lot.
Particip
What’s in a Name? First Day Hike
Discover Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks’ past on this 1-mile, 1.5 hour living history stroll through the old-growth redwood grove. Meet at the Visitor Center, located in the day-use area located off Hwy 9 in Felton. Event is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Discover the Santa Cruz Sandhills
Discover the unique and diverse Santa Cruz Sandhills habitat on this 2-mile stroll to the observation deck. Meet at the Campfire Center, in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground off Graham Hill Road in Scotts Valley. Event is free; parking is $10. Events made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
Wildlife First Day Hike
Join us for a 2 mile stroll along the North Pond trail to the Sequoia Audubon Trail to discover what makes this marsh an important stop along the Pacific Flyway. Please bring water, snacks, walking shoes, and dress in layers. Please no pets. Event is free. Meet at the Pescadero State Beach central parking lot located off Highway 1, approximately 0.25 miles north of Pescadero Creek Road Pescadero. For more information, please call (650) 726-8814.
First Day Hike to Ocean View Summit
Escape the crowds on this 6-mile loop through shaded forest to a hilltop view of the coast. Join Docent Steve Stolper as we climb the Meteor Trail through the trees, gaining 600 feet before emerging at Ocean View Summit. After a relaxed lunch we descend back into the forest and return to headquarters. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. This hike runs rain or shine. Meet at Park Headquarters, located 9 miles north of Boulder Creek on Highway 236. Event is free; vehicle day-use pass is $10.
First Day Guided Elephant Seal Walks
Stroll over sand dunes guided by a docent naturalist to visit a large colony of Northern elephant seals. In the month of December, male elephant seal, or bulls, arrive and establish hierarchy, while pregnant females come ashore to birth to their pups. These popular guided walks are 3 miles round trip and last 2.5 hours.
They take place rain or shine, so be prepared for windy, rainy conditions as well as muddy trails. Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and rain gear are strongly advised. Umbrellas and strollers are not permitted. Pets are not allowed in the park. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. Año Nuevo State Park is located off Highway 1, halfway between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Day-use parking is $10 per car. For more information, please call (650) 879-2025 or for recorded information (650) 879-0227.
People with accessibility needs may reserve an equal access tour along the boardwalk. These tours take place on Fridays, weekends, and select holidays. For reservations and info, email Año.EqualAccess@parks.ca.gov starting November 1, or call (650) 879-2033.
First Day Hike Tour of the Monarch Butterflies
Meet at the visitor center for a one hour guided tour of the overwintering monarchs. Migration is variable, to find out the current population, or to arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please call (831) 423-4609. Tours are free; vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Park Property: First Day Hike
Take a journey back in time on this 2.5-mile stroll along Mills Creek Trail to discover the lives of early pioneers and farming families who first settled here in the 19th century and see California’s only known example of an English-style dairy barn. Bring water and good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Meet at the Burleigh Murray parking lot located on Higgins-Purisima Road 1.5 miles east of Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay.
Coastal Bluffs First Day Hike
Explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Wilder Ranch coastal bluffs on this 2.5 mile hike. Please bring water, snacks, sun protection, and walking shoes. Please no pets. Event is free; vehicle day-use pass is $10. Meet at the Interpretive Center in the Wilder Ranch Cultural Preserve, located 2 miles north of Santa Cruz off Highway 1. For more information, please call (831) 426-0505.